Observation device with range finder

ABSTRACT

The invention describes a long-range optical device with two observation parts and a first observation beam path and a measurement beam path, in which the two observation parts are arranged essentially parallel next to each other and spaced a predefinable distance apart via at least one connection element. In a plan view of the device  1  with respect to a plane, in which the longitudinal axes of the observation parts are arranged, the sub-regions of the observation parts facing each other lie directly opposite each other over a length aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the observation parts of 20% to 90%, preferably 30% to 80% of a length of the observation parts. In addition, the observation beam path and the measurement beam path are arranged outside the sub-regions of the observation parts.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/865,722, filed Apr. 18, 2013, which is a continuation, ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/865,481, filed on Jul. 30, 2010,which application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. §371 ofInternational Application No. PCT/AT2009/000038, filed Jan. 30, 2009,published in German, which claims the benefit of Austrian PatentApplication No. A 153/2008, filed Jan. 31, 2008; Austrian PatentApplication No. A 163/2008, filed Feb. 1, 2008; European PatentApplication No. 08001979.7, filed Feb. 2, 2008; and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/137,406, filed Jul. 30, 2008. The disclosures of saidapplications are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a long-range optical device having at least twotubes corresponding to the features in the preambles of claims 1 to 4.

Binocular field glasses with a laser range finder are known, in which afunctional element of the laser range finder is also integrated into oneof the two visual beam paths. Thus, as described in DE 10 2004 054 182B4, the objective-side beam path of one of the two observation beampaths of the field glasses simultaneously forms a part of the beam pathof the laser receiver and the laser radiation reflected by the object isdeflected to the laser receiver or detector respectively by means of anoptical splitter. On the other hand a separately constructed beam pathis provided for the laser transmitter, arranged in the region of thehinging axis of the field glasses and aligned parallel to theobservation axes of the visual beam path. A collimation lens is providedfor this purpose in front of the laser transmitter on the light outputside. A disadvantage of these binoculars with a laser range finder isthat the handling of the device is made more difficult and none of thedesired ergonomics is possible in such binoculars with thiscorresponding configuration.

Furthermore, it is already known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,951 B2 toprovide a laser range finder in a long-range optical device which can beused to observe a remote object via a visual beam path. In thisarrangement a laser beam is introduced into the visual beam path betweenthe eye of the observer and user of the visual beam path and a focusingdevice for the visual beam path, and the laser beam reflected by theobject is fed to a laser receiver for analysis via an optical system infront of the eye of the user. A disadvantage of this is that a rotatingscreen driven by a motor is required, in order to maintain a separationof the emitted laser beam and the reflected laser beam.

Further known long-range optical devices have dedicated beam paths bothfor the visual beams and the laser beam and the reflected laser beams,which are directed towards the remote object via separate opticaldevices. The focusing of the laser beam in such arrangements, both forthe emitted laser beam and for the laser beam reflected from the object,is effected via respectively dedicated focusing devices, which aredrive-connected to the focusing device for the visual beam pathactivated by the operator. Due to the complex structure, a large numberof mechanical and optical components are required.

Other long-range optical devices, for example that in DE 197 27 988 A1and those of DE 69 18 690 U, DE 295 18 708 U1, DE 101 22 936 A1 and DE27 14 412 A1 also described a very wide range of configurations of laserrange finders in connection with visual beam paths, wherein an exactmeasurement result cannot be achieved however, due to the complexstructure and the guiding of the beam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem addressed by the invention is to create a long-range opticaldevice having at least two tubes, with which an exact sighting of atarget and an increased user-friendliness is obtained in devices such asthis with integrated range finding.

The problem addressed by the invention is solved by a long-range opticaldevice as named above, by the fact that, when viewed vertically fromabove with respect to a plane in which the longitudinal axes of theobservation parts are arranged, over a length extending parallel to thelongitudinal axis (8,9) of the observation parts of 20%-90%, preferably30%-80% of the length of the observation parts, the sub-regions facingeach other of the observation parts lie directly opposite each other,and that the observation beam path and the measurement beam path arearranged outside the sub-regions of the observation parts that liedirectly opposite each other. An advantage of this embodiment is thenthe fact that, in spite of the integration of a range-finding deviceinto the long-range optical device, a balanced weight distribution isobtained, which facilitates an accurate sighting of the target. Inaddition is the fact that due to the larger gripping area, the handlingof the device, and therefore the user-friendliness when adjusting thespacing between the tubes and when handling the long-range opticaldevice for sighting a target are considerably improved. This alsoenables the long-range optical device to be held in a sighting positionfor longer and without fatigue, so that jitter-free sighting of a targetis possible over a fairly long period, as is required for example in thevarious tasks associated with hunting. This achieves a better approachto the target and a continuously successive determination of the range.Furthermore, the arrangement of the measurement beam path outside thesub-regions mentioned guarantees that while the device is being held noshading or other contamination of the measurement beam occurs due to theuser's hands.

Independently of this the problem addressed by the invention is alsosolved by means of a long-range optical device by the fact that thewidth of the connection element or the sum of the widths of multipleconnection elements between the two observation parts in the directionof the longitudinal axes is less than 45% of the length or the distancebetween the objective-side and the ocular-side end of the device. Usingthis arrangement it is also possible to introduce all of the fingersexcept the thumbs between the observation parts, in order to hold thedevice in as stable a manner as possible during the measurementprocedure. Furthermore, the advantage is gained that in such anarrangement both the thumbs are free to activate switches for startingthe measurement procedure.

Also advantageous is another independent embodiment in which the widthof the connection element or the sum of the widths of multipleconnection elements between the two observation parts (3,4) along thelongitudinal axes is less than 90 mm. This makes it possible to create aregion on the device which facilitates the gripping of the observationparts from their upper side. It is possible furthermore, due to thesmall adverse influence of the connection elements to provide the userwith a choice of gripping positions.

The problem can also be independently solved by the fact that between anobjective-side front face of the connection element and theobjective-side end of the observation parts or of the device or of anocular-side front face of a further connection element, the side facesof the observation parts that face each other over a length of theobservation parts extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (8,9) of20%-90%, preferably 30%-80% of the length of the observation parts, liedirectly opposite each other, and the fact that the observation beampath and the measurement beam path are arranged outside the side facesof the observation parts that lie directly opposite each other. Theadvantage of this construction lies in the possibility for the user tohold the device by its upper side, in the space between the observationparts in the region of the centre of gravity using only a frictionalconnection.

Another independent embodiment is characterized in that between anocular-side front face of the connection element and the ocular-side endof the observation parts or of the device, the side faces of theobservation parts that face each other over a length of the observationparts aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis (8,9) of 20%-90%,preferably 30%-80% of the length of the observation parts, lie directlyopposite each other. It is thus possible advantageously, as well as thegraspability of the observation parts from the top of the device, tomanage without any inconvenient connection element in the ocular-sideend region and thus in the region of the user's nose. It is furthermoreto be seen as advantageous that a further beam path can be provided onthe connection element in the objective-side end, so that again, whilethe device is being held no shading or other contamination of themeasurement beam occurs due to the user's hands.

A further advantageous embodiment is one in which the observation partsare supported via two connection elements at a predefinable distanceapart and in plan view on to the plane the two connection elements areseparated by sub-regions of the observation parts lying directlyopposite each other and facing each other. In this variant embodimentweight can be saved in comparison to a classic, solid construction,however a precise parallelism of the beam paths can be guaranteed inboth the observation parts at the same time.

An advantage of another embodiment furthermore is that the observationparts are supported via two connection elements at a predefinabledistance apart and in plan view on to the plane the sub-regions of theobservation parts that face each other lie directly opposite each otherbetween the two connection elements over a length of the observationparts aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of more than 30 mm,preferably 50 to 120 mm, and so an adequate grip region is created,which allows the device to be comfortably held in the transportposition, 90° offset to the usage position, about the pivot axis.

According to a further design variant it is possible that a part of themeasurement beam of a measurement beam transmitter is integrated intothe first observation beam path, in order to guarantee an optimalsynchronization of the two beam paths.

An advantage of the configuration is that a part of the multi-beam pathof a measurement beam receiver is integrated into the first observationbeam path, and so due to the larger objective of an observation beampath relative to a classical measurement beam objective a largerproportion of the reflected measurement radiation can be received.

In a construction in which a part of the measurement beam path of themeasurement beam transmitter and a part of the measurement beam path ofthe measurement beam receiver are integrated into the first observationbeam path, it is possible to combine the advantages of thesynchronization of the measurement beam path and the observation beampath with the increased received power of the returning measurementradiation.

It is further advantageous if at least one optical component is arrangedin order to feed the measurement beam path of the measurement beamtransmitter and feed the measurement beam path of the measurement beamreceiver respectively into and out of the first observation beam path,since this makes a separation or integration of the measurement and theobservation beam path possible.

A configuration that has proven advantageous here is one in which theregions for feeding the beams in and out are arranged on a singlesurface of the optical component, since both the complexity and thelength of the device can be reduced.

According to a further advantageous extension in which a lasertransmitter is arranged as a measurement beam transmitter and a laserreceiver as a measurement beam receiver, the measurement beam can behighly focused and thus good measurement results are achieved.

Also advantageous however is a construction with an integration of atleast one part of a beam path of an opto-electronic display element inthe, or one of the, observation beam paths, since this guarantees adisplay in the field of view of the user and therefore an interpretationby the user which maintains visual contact with the object.

It is also possible to arrange a first focusing device, by which theobservation beam path and the measurement beam path can be focused orthat the measurement beam path can be focused with a further focusingdevice, wherein the further focusing device is operatively connected tothe first focusing device. This makes it possible in an advantageous waythat both the measurement beam path and the observation beam path aresynchronously focused on to an object, which means that an improvedreturn power of the measurement beam is achieved.

The further configuration having a device for determining thepropagation time, which is connected directly or via a control andanalysis unit to the measurement beam transmitter, the measurement beamreceiver and the opto-electronic display element, guarantees anelectronic display of the value of the distance to the object measuredby determining a propagation time.

An advantageous construction is one in which a switching device isarranged between the opto-electronic display element and the control andanalysis unit, for displaying different symbols or data, for example atarget mark and/or a measurement. This makes it possible to displaydifferent target mark representations or measurement formats via theopto-electronic display.

By means of the extension in which an opto-electronic display element isconnected to a switching device for optionally feeding in the beam pathfor displaying a target mark and/or a measurement in at least one of theobservation beam paths, it is possible for the user to decide, dependingon his preference or visual capacity, on which display element a certainvalue or the target mark is to be displayed.

By means of the extension in which at least one tubular housing of theobservation part consists of a light metallic material, in particularmagnesium or a magnesium based alloy, the weight of the device can besubstantially reduced and at the same time as increasing the rigidity ofthe housing.

According to a further advantageous construction at least one tubularhousing of the observation part consists of composite material, inparticular fiber-reinforced plastic. This means that the breakingstrength of the housing can be increased while at the same time reducingthe weight.

Another advantageous construction is one in which the pivoting range ofthe hinge or hinges for varying the distance between the twolongitudinal axes of the observation parts in the plane extendingthrough them is at least between 50 mm and 70 mm. It is thus possible toadjust the device optimally to the inter-eye distance of the user.

In the further configuration in which both the observation parts arepivotably connected via a connection element in the form of a hinge to apivot axis extending approximately parallel to the longitudinal axes ofboth observation parts, it is advantageous that an adaptation of theinter-eye spacing to different users is possible.

If each connection element comprises a connection arm arranged or formedon each of the two observation parts, then firstly an exact machiningand alignment of the component is possible, and secondly when joiningthem together an exact mutual alignment can be achieved.

Another advantageous embodiment is one in which one or more hingedbridges are arranged as the connecting element. This allows a precisepivoting of the two observation parts.

It is also advantageous if the focusing device is connected to theadjustment drive. This makes an automatic adjustment of the focusingpossible, and moreover in combination with the use of the value from therange measurement produces options for an auto-focusing procedure.

Another possibility is to connect the control and analysis unit to theadjustment drive or a drive motor, for example a stepper motor. Thismeans that an automated setting of the focus is possible using cheapcomponents, which in addition have a low weight.

Finally however a construction is also possible in which all optical,opto-electrical and electrical components in the two observation partsare arranged symmetrically with respect to the pivot axis, which meansan optimal weight distribution is obtained. Furthermore, both parts canbe used when taken on their own as long-range optical devices.

To allow a better understanding of the invention this will be explainedin more detail with the aid of the following drawings.

In a highly simplified schematic representation, they show:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a long-range optical device constructed according to theinvention in plan view;

FIG. 2 is the long-range optical device according to FIG. 1 in a frontview;

FIG. 3 is an optical layout of the long-range optical device accordingto FIGS. 1 and 2 with integrated laser range finder in a schematic planview;

FIG. 4 is another variant embodiment of the long-range optical device inplan view;

FIG. 5 is a further variant embodiment of the long-range optical devicewith specially constructed connection elements in plan view;

FIG. 6 is another embodiment of the arrangement of the connectionelement between the observation parts of a long-range optical device inplan view;

FIG. 7 is a partial section of a long-range optical device with ameasurement beam path arranged in addition to the observation beampaths, in a side view;

FIG. 8 is a further exemplary embodiment of a device with a third beampath.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should first of all be noted that in the various embodimentsdescribed, equivalent parts are assigned identical labels or componentdesignations respectively, the disclosures contained in the entiredescription being analogously transferrable to equivalent parts withidentical labels or component designations. Also, the positional detailschosen in the description, such as above, below, to the side etc., referto the immediately described and illustrated Figure, and when there is achange of position are to be carried over analogously to the newposition. Further, individual features or feature combinations from thevarious exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent,per se, solutions that are independent, inventive or according to theinvention.

All information on value ranges in the description of the subject matterare to be understood in the sense that they also comprise any and allsub-ranges thereof, e.g. the range 1 to 10 is to be understood to meanthat all sub-ranges, starting at the lower limit 1 and the upper limit10 are also included, i.e. all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1or greater and end at an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

In FIGS. 1 to 3 a long-range optical device 1 is shown, for example abinocular observation device, in particular a pair of binoculars with anintegrated measurement device 2 e.g. a laser range finder. The device 1comprises a first observation part 3 and a second observation part 4which are preferably of a tubular construction. The two observationparts 3 and comprise an objective 5 and an ocular 6 to provide anenlarged representation of an object to be observed. The two observationparts 3 and 4 are connected together via a connection element 7 in sucha way that they are arranged next to each other in a positionessentially parallel to their longitudinal axes 8, 9. These longitudinalaxes 8, 9 can be arranged at a different distance 10 apart from eachother, and simultaneously form the first and second observation beampaths 11 and 12, which in each case symbolize only the correspondingmain beams or the corresponding optical axes of the observation parts 3and 4 and are shown in simplified form.

It is advantageous in this case if the two observation parts 4 areconstructed in the same manner, for example preferably symmetricallyrelative to a hinge 13 with pivot axis 14, arranged between twoobservation beam paths 11, 12. This is reminiscent in particular of thevariant embodiment of the main housing of the observation parts 3, 4 andthe structure of the focusing devices. Individual details can differ,such as for example the connection elements 7, which can for examplealso interlock and are accordingly constructed to be mirror-inverted andoverlapping.

It is a general convention here that in the entire description, wheneverbeam paths are mentioned a bundle of beams, that is, a so-calledhomocentric beam bundle, is to be understood.

In order to adjust this distance 10 the two observation parts 3, 4 areconnected together via a hinge 13, which can form the connection element7 or can be arranged in the path of the connection element, so that theycan pivot about a pivot axis 14 extending parallel to the longitudinalaxes of the observation parts 3, 4.

Therefore the two observation parts 3, 4, as can best be seen from FIG.2, can be pivoted about this pivot axis 14 as shown by the arrow 15through an angular range 16, in order to be able to match the distance10 between the longitudinal axes or the beam paths 11, 12 to the eyespacing of the respective user of the long-range optical device 1. Anadjustment of the distance of at least between 50 and 70 mm isadvantageous, however of course any desired construction can be used toallow this distance to be changed to smaller or larger values.

In the region of the connection element 7 it is also possible to providean adjustment device 17 for a focusing device 18, with which the device1 can be focused on the target being sighted. The transmission elements19, illustrated only schematically, for the focusing device 18 can here,as schematically indicated in FIG. 1, be at least partially passedthrough the connection element 7.

As is most clearly seen from FIG. 1 furthermore, in the plan view of thedevice 1 perpendicular with respect to a plane 20 in which thelongitudinal axes 8, 9 are arranged, over a length 21 extending parallelto the longitudinal axis 8, 9 of the observation parts 3, 4, thesub-regions 22, 23 of the observation parts 3, 4 that face each otherlie directly opposite each other. In other words, the distance betweenthe nearest lying points of the housing of the observation parts 3, 4 isnot reduced by any components protruding beyond them, and therefore noneof the components projects beyond the outer casing of the observationparts 3, 4 in the direction of the opposite sub-region 22, 23 of theother observation part, and neither does any component of the connectionelement 7 project into this region between the two sub-regions 22, 23 inthe direction of the longitudinal axes 8, 9. Obviously under thisdefinition of the sub-regions 22, 23 lying opposite each other this isunderstood to mean the outermost enclosure of the observation parts 3and 4. If these observation parts 3, 4 have a main housing, which isfitted with or at least partially enclosed by reinforcement elementsand/or cladding elements, each of the outer bounding ends of theobservation parts 3, 4 are to be understood as the nearest lying pointsof the housing of the observation parts 3, 4.

This length 21 can be more than 30 mm, preferably 50 to 120 mm, but canalso be specified as a proportion of the length 24 of the observationparts 3, 4 aligned along the longitudinal axes 8, 9 of the observationparts 3, 4. In this case the length 21 over which the sub-regions 22, 23facing each other of the observation parts 3, 4 lie directly oppositeeach other, can be for example between 20% and 90%, preferably 30 to80%, of the length 24 of the observation parts 3, 4.

As the illustrations in FIGS. 1 and 3 show further, the longitudinalaxes 8, 9 of the observation parts 3, 4 and thus also the observationbeam paths 11, 12 and a measurement beam path 25 of the laser rangefinder 26, also lie outside the sub-regions 22, 23 of the observationparts 3, 4 lying directly opposite each other.

The arrangement in which a correspondingly long length 21 of thesub-regions 22, 23 of the observation parts 3, 4 lie directly oppositeeach other, then also facilitates a simpler and more secure grip bothwhen using the device 1 for sighting a target and when handling thedevice 1 but also allows the device 1 to be steadily held in position.This means that a considerable improvement over previously knownobservation devices with measurement beams, for example for rangemeasurement, can be achieved in all usage scenarios. With this type ofgrip, in which the ends of the fingers can protrude unhindered betweenthe two observation parts 3, 4, a lower level of muscle strain in thehands can also be achieved, and therefore fatigue-free sighting andmeasurement is also possible over a longer period with the device 1according to the invention.

Furthermore, it is now possible advantageously to fix and hold devices 1of this kind solely by clamping them between the fingers and the ballsof the thumbs, without any clamping force from the user's thumb beingrequired.

In another independent solution to the problem addressed by theinvention however, it is advantageous if a width 27 of the connectionelement 7, or in case multiple connection elements 7 for holding andguiding the two observation parts 3, 4 are arranged, the sum of thewidths 27, 28 of the connection elements 7—as shown in even more detailin FIG. 4 or 5—between the two observation parts 3, 4 along theirlongitudinal axes 8, 9 is smaller than 45% of the length 24 or thedistance between the objective-side and the ocular-side end of thedevice 1. Here also, when measuring the length 24 or the distancebetween the objective-side and the ocular-side end, in each case theoutermost limits in the region of the objective 5 or the ocular 6 of themain device (that is, without accessories) are assumed.

An advantageous independent solution of the problem addressed by the isalso however obtained if the side faces 22, 23 of the observation partsthat face each other lie directly opposite each other over a length 21of the observation parts 3, 4 aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis8, 9 which is between 20%-90%, preferably 30%-80% of the length 24 ofthe observation parts 3, 4, between an objective-side front face 29 ofthe connection element 7 and an objective-side end 30 of the observationparts 3, 4 or of the device 1.

This also allows the above mentioned advantages and effects to beobtained with particular advantage.

The same also applies if this length over the sub-regions 22, 23, orside faces of the observation parts 3, 4 that face each other, liesbetween the objective-side front face 29 of the connection element 7arranged on the region of the ocular 6 and an ocular-side front face 31of a further connection element 56 arranged in the region of theobjective 5.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the optical components of thelong-range optical device 1. In this FIG. 3 the measurement device 2 isalso shown in greater detail. Thus in the observation part 3 ameasurement beam transmitter 32 is shown, with a transmitter opticalsystem 33 and a transmission lens 34. The measurement beam transmitter32 is integrated into the first observation part 3 in such a way that apart of the measurement beam path 25 of the measurement beam transmitter32 is deflected into the first observation beam path 11.

In order to deflect the measurement beam path 25, optical components areprovided in the first observation part 3, which according to thisexemplary embodiment are a deflection prism 35 and a splitter prism 36.For this purpose, the splitter prism 36 is arranged on a surface 38 of adeflection prism 39 lying opposite the roof prism 37, or on the surface38 of the roof prism 39 and connected thereto.

The surface 38 forms a beam splitter, by the fact that a partiallytransparent coating is provided thereon. By means of this coating, areflection of the visual beam path 11 occurs on the surface 38, whereasthe light coming from the laser transmitter 32 is not reflected andpasses through the surface 38 unaffected. The combination of the opticalbeam path 25 of the measurement beam transmitter 32 with the firstvisual observation beam path 11 is therefore localized on the surface 38of the deflection prism 39 or the splitter prism 36. In order to achievethis the direction of the beam path 25 of the measurement beamtransmitter 32 and the direction of the first visual observation beampath 11 in its objective-side trajectory are co-aligned in the regionof, or inside the deflection prism. By having the beam path 25 of themeasurement beam transmitter 32 also passing the focusing device and theobjective 5 in its trajectory towards the object, the measurement beamtransmitter 32 or the beam path can be focused on the object or in theobject plane.

With regard to the beam splitter provided in surface 38, differentvariant embodiments are possible. In the case where awavelength-specific partially transparent coating is used, this must betuned to the wavelength of the laser light of the measurement beamtransmitter 32 that is used. This coating has a wavelength-dependenttransmission characteristic, which exhibits a very high value of itstransmission coefficient only in a very narrow range of wavelengths,wherein this narrow range of wavelengths corresponds to the wavelengthof the laser radiation of the measurement beam transmitter 32 that isused. This laser radiation used can be in both the visible wavelengthrange and a non-visible wavelength range. The use of a measurement beamtransmitter 32 emitting in the infrared range is preferable however,since this avoids an adverse effect on the visual observation.

Thus the adaptation of the observer's eye in twilight, for example,could be disturbed by scattered light from the measurement beamtransmitter 32. In order to effect a splitting of the beam, thepolarization of the applied laser light could alternatively be invokedfor the selection. A further alternative possibility for a beam splitterinvolves a spatial division, by for example a metallic mirror being usedfor only a sub-region of the spatial angle of a beam path or a beambundle.

After the reflection of the energy beam, e.g. the laser light, emittedby the measurement beam transmitter 32 at a remote object 40, reflectedbeams pass through the first visual beam path 11 together and re-enterthe device 1. As a result of the partially transparent coating of thesurface 38 between reversing prism 39 and the splitter prism 36, aseparation of a measurement beam path 41, which travels to a measurementbeam receiver 42, from the first visual observation beam path 11 takesplace at this surface 38. In order to detect and/or measure thereflected laser radiation the measurement beam receiver 42 is provided,wherein e.g. the reflected laser light is fed by a measurement beamtransmitter 32 to a laser transmitter through a receiving optical system43, which according to this exemplary embodiment is formed by thesplitter prism 36 and a receiver prism 44.

By having the first visual observation beam path 11 and the measurementbeam path 20 at the surface 38 between the reversing prism 39 and thesplitter prism 36 combined or split, a part of the measurement beam path41 is thus also integrated into the first visual observation beam path11. Thus, in this device 1 with a measurement device 2, to integrate thebeam path 45 of the measurement beam transmitter 32 or the lasertransmitter and the measurement beam path 41 into the first visualobservation beam path 11, optical components are arranged, in which anintersection occurs between the first visual beam path 11 and the beampath 45 of the laser transmitter or the beam path 41 of the measurementbeam receiver 42.

According to the exemplary embodiment described, the region of theintersection is furthermore localized on a single optical component,namely the surface 38 of the deflection prism 39. Thus both the supplyof the radiation from the measurement beam transmitter 32, and theseparation of the reflected laser radiation from the first visualobservation beam path 11 take place on the single surface 38.

According to the invention therefore, the region of the intersection,i.e. the composition or decomposition of the beam paths 45,41 on the onehand and the visual observation beam path 11 on the other, is arrangedbetween the observer-side focal point of the objective 5 and thefocusing device 18 or the objective 5.

Therefore the same arrangement of the optical components of theobjective 5 and the focusing device 7 defines both the mapping betweenthe remote object 40 and the image of the object 40 generated on theobserver side, as well as the mapping of the measurement beam on to theremote object 40. This relative spatial arrangement of theaforementioned optical components has the particular advantage that byonly changing the adjustment of a single optical component, namely thefocusing device 7, the focus of both the first visual observation beampath 11 as well as of the beam path 45 of the measurement beamtransmitter 32 and the measurement beam path 20 of the measurement beamreceiver 42 can be set. This means that for each distance setting theradiation reflected back by the remote object can be used veryefficiently for the range measurement.

The range measurement is made in the manner known per se, based on theprinciple of propagation time measurement of e.g. a laser pulse or alaser pulse train, which is emitted by the measurement beam transmitter32 and reflected back by an object 40. From the ratio of the timedifference between the emission of a laser pulse and the arrival of thereflected laser light to the speed of light the range of the sightedobject 40 can be found. The arrival time of the reflected laser signalis detected by the receiver 21. A control and analysis unit 46 isprovided for the calculation and for controlling the functions of theobservation device 1. The value for the range then finally calculatedcan be displayed for the observer in the field of view, by anopto-electronic display element 47 being provided in one of the twoobservation parts 3, 4 with an appropriate set of display optics 48.

The display optics 48 is arranged according to this exemplary embodimentin the second observation part 4 in such a way that the beam path 49 ofthe display optics 48 is integrated into the ocular-side part of thesecond visual beam path 12. The region of the intersection of the beampath 49 of the display optics 48 with the second visual observation beampath 12 is localized as already described for the first observation part3 on a partially reflecting surface 38 of a deflection prism.

It is of course also possible to display the calculated value of therange, or the target mark 28, in both or optionally in only one of thetwo observation parts 3, 4. In addition it is also possibleadvantageously to provide a display, external to the observation device1, on which the measured range can be displayed continuously orintermittently or at the operator's instruction.

It is also possible, via remote transmission means 41, in particular viawireless remote transmission means 41, for example radio or infrared, totransmit the measured range and other data such as, for example, thechosen focus setting and/or an enlargement factor and/or brightness ortemperature values, into different parts of the observation device 1 orseparate dedicated devices for display and/or analysis. It is alsoadvantageous however to store these in the device 1 or to link themtogether and store them for different types of analysis and on request,for example, to display them on a display device mounted on the outsideof the observation device 1.

It is furthermore possible with these transmission means to transmit, orstore, these data to or on an external display element, memory orcomputer, e.g. a PC, which can also be advantageously constructed orarranged independently of the observation device 1. Most advantageoushowever is the transmission of these data to a telescopic sight of aweapon or other systems for monitoring or controlling devices, whichrequire range information of this kind.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate the sighting of an object 40 to beobserved, the range of which is to be measured, a target mark 50 isadditionally provided in the first observation part 3. The target mark50 or a beam path 51 of the target mark 50 is relayed via a set oftarget mark optics 52 provided for the purpose in the ocular-side partof the first visual beam path 11. The area of the intersection of thebeam path 51 to the target mark 50 is also localized on the surface 38lying between the deflection prism 39 and the splitter prism 36.

According to an alternative embodiment it is also possible to integratethe beam path 49 of the display element 47, as well as the beam path 51to the target mark 50, into the first observation part 3 of theobservation device 1. Here it would be additionally advantageous,however, to use the display element 47 itself for generating the targetmark 50. For the display element 47 an opto-electronic display elementis preferably used, allowing an individual control of singleimage-forming pixels. A calibration of the target mark 50 can thus beeasily performed. The application of the opto-electronic display element47 furthermore also allows the shape of the target mark 50 to be freelychosen. Thus it is possible for example, for the observer, via asuitable input device, by means of software to cause the deviceelectronics to choose a desired target mark 50 as the target mark froman appropriate memory and to display it. The simultaneous use of thedisplay element 47 to also generate the target mark 50 has theparticular advantage of reducing the number of components required tofabricate the observation device 1.

The target mark 50 can also be fabricated from an optical element and alight source however, for example a suitably shaped screen, andsuperimposed on the visual beam path of the observation parts 3, 4.

Both the display element 47, as well as the device for displaying thetarget mark 50 can be formed by appropriate opto-electronic components,in particular LED, LCD or similar displays.

Between the opto-electronic display element 47 and the control andanalysis unit 46 a switching device can be arranged for displayingdifferent symbols or data, for example a target mark 50 or ameasurement.

Using such a switching device it is also additionally or independentlypossible to cause the target mark 50 or a measurement to be displayed ineither one or both of the observation beam paths 3, 4.

It should also be mentioned that the focusing device 18 can have anadjustment drive 53 assigned to it, which in FIG. 3 is representedschematically by an adjustable cog rail arrangement in the observationpart 4. The adjustment drive 53 can be equipped with a drive motor 54,which can be a stepper motor, for example. The controller for theadjustment drive 53 for the focusing device 18 can be connected, in thesame way as that of the target mark 50 or the display element 47 and ofthe measurement beam receiver 42, to the control and analysis unit 46with connecting leads represented schematically by dashed lines.

For the sake of correctness it should be noted that the individual partsof the measurement device 2, in particular the laser range finder 26 orthe measurement beam transmitter 32, the measurement beam receiver 42,the display elements 47, the target mark 50 and an adjustment drive 53or a drive motor 54 of the focusing device 18 can be connected to thecontrol and analysis unit 46, or this connected to external displayelements or storage devices or computers, via appropriate connectingleads or circuit boards, especially flexible circuit boards, or also bywireless connection paths using electromagnetic waves or non-opticalsignals.

As is more clearly seen from FIG. 4, it is also possible however, toconnect the two observation parts 3, 4 together via two connectionelements 7, 56.

In each of the two connection elements 7, 56 one or more hinges 13 canbe arranged. It is thus possible that the connection elements 7, 56 canbe fitted with a single hinge 13 with a pivot axis 14. The twoobservation parts 3, 4 are thus, as already previously described indetail with the aid of FIG. 2, pivotable relative to each other aboutthis central pivot axis 14.

It is of course also possible, in addition to these hinges 13, toarrange further hinges between the observation parts 3, 4 and the endsof the connection elements 7, 56 facing them, so that each of theobservation parts 3, 4 is adjustable relative to the connection element7, 56 or to the parts of the connection elements 7, 56 that arepivotable via the hinges 13.

In the present exemplary embodiment the connection elements 7, 56 eachhave only one hinge 13. This hinge 13 is formed by means of 2 connectionarms 57, 58, which are connected to the end regions facing each other sothat they can pivot about the pivot axis 14. The connection arm 57 isconnected to the observation part 4 and the connection arm 58 to theobservation part 3, both in a rotationally fixed manner.

It is of course also possible that the connection element 7 or 56 beformed by multiple hinged bridges.

For this purpose the connection element 7, 56 or the connection arms 57,58 can be connected to two arms of a hinge arrangement for the hinge 13.It is also possible however that the two ends of the connection arms 57,58 facing each other interlock in such a way that they form the hinge 13by means of an axle 59 penetrating both of them.

As can additionally be seen from the illustration in FIG. 5, both of theobservation parts 3, 4 can also be connected together, or supported orguided relative to each other, via one or more connection elements 7,56, which can be telescopically displaceable in a direction at rightangles to the longitudinal axes 8, 9. These telescope arrangements 60allow the distance 10 between the longitudinal axes 8, 9, or theobservation beam paths 11, 12, to be matched to the eye spacing of eachuser of such a device 1.

The telescope arrangements 60 consist in each case of guide parts 61, 62that are guided into one another, wherein the guide part 61 and theguide part 62 are stationarily connected to the observation parts 4 and3 respectively.

These guide parts are mounted so that they can be displaced into oneanother in the manner of a sleeve, and thus facilitate an exactlyparallel displacement of the two observation parts 3, 4 relative to eachother in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 8, 9. Inorder to set a certain spacing 10 between the two observation beam paths3, 4 the frictional resistance between the guide parts 61, 62 can bedimensioned such that it requires an increased force to change thespacing 10. It is of course also possible to provide a correspondingfixing at the desired spacing 10 by mechanically, magnetically orelectrically controlled elements. By means of suitable end stoppingmeans—not shown—preferably detachable as required, the maximum distanceover which the two observation parts 3, 4 in the direction of thespacing 10 can be moved, can be limited.

In Fig. a further possible variant embodiment is shown, in which boththe observation parts 3, 4 are only connected together via a singleconnection element 7. This connection element 7 in this case however,instead of the variant embodiment according to FIG. 1 in which it islocated essentially in the ocular-side end region of the device 1, isnow arranged in the objective-side end region of the device 1, thus, inthe region of the objective 5 or closer to this. Accordingly thesub-regions 22, 23 of the observation parts 3, lying opposite eachother, extend between an ocular-side front face 31 of the connectionelement 7 and the ocular-side end of the observation parts 3, 4 or ofthe housing 1. In this case also, it is advantageous if the length 24over which sub-regions 22, 23, or side surfaces, of the observationparts 3, 4, directly facing each other, extend over a proportion of20%-90%, preferably 30%-80%, of the length 24 of the observation parts3, 4.

In general it can be understood that an advantageous variant embodimentis one in which die width 27 of the connection element 7 or the sum ofthe widths 27, 28 of multiple connection elements 7, 56 which connectthe two observation parts 3, 4 along the longitudinal axes 8, 9, is lessthan 80 to 100 mm, preferably 90 mm. It should preferably be taken intoaccount that the width of the connection element or the sum of thewidths 27, 28 of multiple connection elements between the twoobservation parts 3, 4 along the longitudinal axis 8, 9 be less than 45%of the length 24 or the spacing between the objective-side end 30 andthe ocular-side end 55.

It is advantageous here if the length 21 of the sub-regions 22, 23 to beleft clear has a length of more than 30 mm, preferably 50 to 120 mm.

In FIG. 7 a long-range optical device 1 is shown in a partially explodedside view, wherein equivalent parts are assigned identical labels as inthe preceding figures.

From this drawing it can be seen that the focusing device 18 is providedfor the observation beam path 12. The adjustment of the focusing device18 is effected for example via the transmission elements 19, only shownschematically, and with regard to the adjustment procedure by means ofthe adjustment device 17, reference is made to the corresponding partsof the description in FIG. 1. In this case however, the measurementdevice 2, i.e. the laser range finder 26, is not arranged directly inthe tube or housing of the observation part 3, but in a correspondingflared portion 63, which is located for example in the usage position ofthe device 1, or the device 1 primarily designed for manual holding andmanual sighting, or binoculars, on the underside thereof. The laserrange finder 26 with the control and analysis unit 46—not shown—is nowarranged in this flared portion 63, as is indicated schematically by themeasurement beam paths 25 and 41 of the measurement beam transmitter 32and measurement beam receiver 42, for example as alaser-receiver-transmitter. Since the measurement beam path 25 and 41now extend parallel to but spaced apart from the observation beam path12, these two measurement beam paths 25, 41 can be focused via anadditional dedicated focusing device 64, arranged between themeasurement beam transmitter 32 and measurement beam receiver 42 and thededicated objective 65 assigned thereto.

Without facilitating a synchronous focusing of the measurement beampaths 25 and 41, the adjustment device 17 is connected via thetransmission elements not only to the focusing device 18 for theobservation beam path, but with other transmission elements 66, to thefocusing device 64 also. A suitable translation can then be providedbetween the focusing device 18 and the focusing device 64, so that anaccurate focusing of the beam paths 25 and 41 can take place at the sametime as the focusing of the observation beam path 11; 12. Solely for thesake of correctness it should be mentioned that the arrangement of theflared portion 63 is done in such a way that it does not project—asdescribed previously—into the region to be left clear between thesub-regions 22 and 23.

The measurement beam transmitter 32 and measurement beam receiver 42 andthe opto-electronic display elements have a dedicated analysis unit fordetermining the propagation time, or a propagation time calculationdevice is integrated into the control and analysis unit 46.

Between the opto-electronic display element 47 and the control andanalysis unit 46, it is also possible to provide an additional switchingdevice, or switching elements directly activatable by using this, inorder to display different symbols or data, for example a target mark 50and/or a measurement.

It is also possible by using a switching device, to optionally introducethe beam paths 51, 49 of the opto-electronic display element 47 into atleast one of the observation beam paths 11; 12 for displaying a targetmark and a measurement.

Independently of the optical components, it is advantageous if theopto-electronic and electronic components and the electrical supplycomponents are arranged in both of the observation parts 3, 4 in such amanner that a balanced weight distribution takes place. In this case itis advantageous if these opto-electronic and electronic components arearranged in the two observation parts 3, 4 with respect to their weightsuch that a uniform, symmetrical weight loading is obtained with regardto the pivot axis 14.

FIG. 8 shows a device 1 with a laser range finder 26, in which for themeasurement beam path 25 of the measurement beam transmitter 32 anarrangement separate from the observation beam paths 11, 12, andtherefore a third beam path, is provided.

To set the focus, a focusing device 18 formed by a focusing lens isintegrated into each of the first and second observation beam path 11,12. In the measurement beam path 25 of the measurement beam transmitter32, a transmitter focusing device is arranged on the object side beforethe measurement beam transmitter 32. By adjustment of the transmitterfocusing device, the image of the measurement beam transmitter 32 can bebrought into focus in the object plane of a remote object. According tothe invention, in this device 1 the transmitter focusing device iscoupled to the focusing device 18 of the two visual observation beampaths 11, 12, so that a focusing of the image of the measurement beamtransmitter 32 can take place simultaneously with the focusing of theimages of the visual observation beam paths 11, 12.

With the observation devices 1 according to the exemplary embodimentsdescribed in FIGS. 6 and 7, a procedure corresponding to one of themethods described for the observation and measurement of the range ispossible, and in particular one for an automatic or semi-automaticfocusing process.

In particular when two connection elements 7, 56 are provided, it mustbe ensured that in a plan view of the device 1 with respect to a plane20 in which the longitudinal axes 8, 9 of the observation parts 3, 4 arearranged, over a length 24 aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 8,9 of the observation parts 3, 4, of for example 20%-90%, preferably30%-80% of the observation parts 3, 4 these sub-regions 22, 23 facingeach other lie directly opposite each other. Over this length 24therefore, the free space located between these sub-regions 22, 23 isnot restricted by any single part of the observation parts 3, 4 or theconnection elements 7, 56, nor by a visual observation beam path 11, 12or the measurement beam path 25, 41. This is taken to mean that theobservation beam paths 11, 12 and the measurement beam paths 25, 41 arelocated either inside the observation parts 3, 4, or emitted in such away that they are located outside this cuboid shaped free space formedby the connection element or elements and the sub-regions 22, 23 of theobservation parts 3, 4 that face each other, which extends perpendicularto the aforementioned plane. The length 21 of the region to be keptclear should be between 20%-90%, preferably 30%-80% of the length 24 ofthe observation parts 3, 4.

Solely for the sake of completeness it should be noted that theobservation parts 3, 4, or the housing forming them, can be constructedin the form of tubes or tubular housing.

This tubular housing or tubes can also only extend over a part of thelength 24 of the observation parts 3, 4 and can consist of a lightmetallic material, in particular of magnesium or a magnesium basedalloy. The tubular housing or tubes, or observation parts 3, can befabricated from a main housing, which as previously mentioned can beformed from light metallic materials or composite materials.Independently of this, at least as far as the basic structure isconcerned, these housing parts can be constructed symmetrically. Thisrelates above all to the cylindrical and conical sections of the mainhousing and preferably to those parts which are required for themounting, fixing and support of the optical components, for example theobjective 5 and ocular 6 or the focusing device 18. independent of thisit is of course possible to provide this main housing with differentreinforcement elements and cladding elements, which can also be arrangedonly partially over the outer or inner surface of the observation parts3, 4, or of their main housing.

Within the scope of the invention it is also possible however tofabricate these observation parts 3, 4 or their tubes or tubular housingfrom composite material, in particular from fiber-reinforced plastic,wherein the widest range of fibers known from the prior art, also inparticular high-strength fibers such as carbon, glass and aramide fiberscan be applied.

The exemplary embodiments show possible variant embodiments of thedevice 1, wherein it should be noted at this point that the invention isnot limited to the variant embodiments of the devices specificallyillustrated, rather that various combinations of the individual variantembodiments among themselves are also possible, and due to the teachingson technical activity by invention in the relevant subject matter, thispossibility of variation lies within the expertise of a person skilledin the art in this technical field. There are also therefore any numberof conceivable variant embodiments, which are possible by combinationsof individual details of the variant embodiment illustrated anddescribed, also included in the scope of protection.

For the sake of correctness it should be finally pointed out that toallow a better understanding of the structure of the device 1 these ortheir component parts have been partially illustrated not to scaleand/or enlarged and/or reduced in size.

The problem addressed by the independent inventive solutions can beunderstood from the description.

In particular, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 4, 5,6, 7 and 8 form the subject matter of independent solutions according tothe invention. The corresponding problems and solutions according to theinvention can be understood from the detailed descriptions of theseFigures.

1. A long-range optical device comprising: first and second observationparts and optical components arranged therein forming respective firstand second observation beam paths, each of the observation partsincluding objective and ocular ends; a laser range finder forming ameasurement beam path with a transmitter beam path and a receiver beampath, the measurement beam path at least partially overlapping with oneof the observation beam paths; and two connection elements arrangedbetween the objective and ocular ends of the first and secondobservation parts and longitudinally spaced from each other, anddefining a free space between the observation parts extending along atleast a portion of the distance between the objective and ocular endsthereof, each of the connection elements comprises a hinge having apivot axis, the free space having a length of 20%-90% of the length ofthe observation parts, and being configured such that a user's fingerscan protrude unhindered between the two observation parts, and whereinthe transmitter beam path is arranged separate from the observation beampaths as a third beam path.
 2. The long-range optical device of claim 1,wherein each of the first and second observation parts has alongitudinal axis, the free space extends over a length extendingparallel to the longitudinal axis of the observation parts of 30%-80% ofthe length of the observation parts.
 3. The long-range optical device ofclaim 1, wherein the free space extends between the two connectionelements over a length of more than 30 mm.
 4. The long-range opticaldevice of claim 1, wherein the transmitter beam path is provided on theconnection element at the objective end.
 5. The long-range opticaldevice of claim 1, wherein the transmitter beam path is located in theregion of the pivot axis of the hinge.
 6. The long-range optical deviceof claim 1, wherein each of the first and second observation parts has alongitudinal axis, the free space has a length of 50 mm to 120 mm alonglongitudinal axes of the observation parts.
 7. The long-range opticaldevice of claim 1 further comprising an opto-electronic display elementarranged in at least one of the two observation parts.
 8. The long-rangeoptical device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the opticalcomponents is arranged to feed the receiver beam path into the firstobservation beam path.
 9. The long-range optical device of claim 1,comprising a first focusing device to focus the two observation beampaths and the receiver beam path.
 10. The long-range optical device ofclaim 1, comprising a device for determining propagation time connectedto the measurement beam path of the laser range finder.
 11. Thelong-range optical device of claim 7, comprising a control and analysisunit, and a switching device for displaying different symbols or data,the switching device is arranged between the opto-electronic displayelement and the control and analysis unit.
 12. The long-range opticaldevice of claim 7, wherein the opto-electronic display element isconnected to a switching device for optionally feeding in the beam pathsfor displaying a target mark and/or a measurement in at least one of theobservation beam paths.
 13. The long-range optical device of claim 1,wherein the observation parts comprise at least one tubular housing. 14.The long-range optical device of claim 13, wherein the at least onetubular housing comprises a material selected from the group consistingof magnesium, magnesium alloy, and fiber-reinforced plastic.
 15. Thelong-range optical device of claim 1, wherein each of the first andsecond observation parts has a longitudinal axis, the spacing betweenthe longitudinal axes of the first and second observation parts in aplane extending through them is between 50 mm and 70 mm.
 16. Thelong-range optical device of claim 1, wherein each of the first andsecond observation parts has a longitudinal axis, the pivot axis of thehinge is centrally arranged between the longitudinal axes of the firstand second observation parts.
 17. The long-range optical device of claim1, further comprising at least one focusing device and an adjustmentdrive connected to the at least one of the focusing device.
 18. Thelong-range optical device of claim 17, comprising a control and analysisunit connected to the adjustment drive.
 19. The long-range opticaldevice of claim 1, comprising electrical components arranged in the twoobservation parts, the optical and electrical components are arrangedsymmetrically with respect to the pivot axis.
 20. The long-range opticaldevice of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second observationparts has a longitudinal axis, the sum of the widths of the twoconnection elements along the longitudinal axes is less than 100 mm. 21.The long-range optical device of claim 1, wherein the laser range finderis adapted to be connected to a storage device.